It's been a long time coming, but BILL WATT & BRUCE McDOUGALL are on their way to football's World Cup in Qatar, via a pit stop in Dubai.
Yep, finally we are on the plane to the Middle East. In a little over 14 hours an Emirates A380 will deliver us to Dubai. From there, it's just a short hop, step and jump to Qatar where all the action happens.
For what it's worth, here are a few predictions regarding the football. Warning: I'm pretty useless at punditry, but strangely happy to dish out my opinions.
PREDICTED WINNER
Belgium. I know, they are an ageing team, but what a team. Kevin de Bruyne is a bloody genius and in great form with Manchester City. Surely, the golden generation of Belgian football can finally deliver a trophy.
RUNNERS UP
Brazil. They have a super squad, well suited to tournament play. I hope they play Newcastle United's midfield genius Bruno Guimaraes. He will deliver the control and aggression that can turn a contender into a winner.
DARK HORSE
Denmark. They have been quiet achievers during World Cup qualification, negotiating a difficult group with ease. Unfortunately they are in the Socceroos' group, because they are much more formidable than when we drew with them in Samara, Russia in the 2018 Cup.
SOCCEROOS
We will need at least 4 points (a win and a draw) but probably 5 to get into the round of 16. So, the second game against Tunisia is a must win, and hopefully by a few goals. We can't afford to be hammered against world champions France or talented Denmark. I think we can grind out an unlikely draw in our first game against France and beat Tunisia. France will then draw with Denmark and smash Tunisia. Denmark's first game is against Tunisia. We need to hope for a draw, or a Tunisian upset. But, Denmark should win, hopefully by a small margin. Then it's us playing the Danes to go further in the tournament. A very tough assignment all around.